Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Bob Costas retires from baseball play-by-play after 42 years.

• Upcoming Washington Capitals match

• A deep-dive into the life of John Philip Sousa

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals."


— Zig Ziglar

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which bridge in Washington DC is known for its iconic stone arches and connects the city to Arlington, Virginia?

A) The Key Bridge

B) The Roosevelt Bridge

C) The Arlington Memorial Bridge

D) The 14th Street Bridge

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The name of the Washington DC theater where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated is B) Ford's Theatre

News

💼Business

Choice Hotels' former Rockville HQ to be auctioned in receiver sale. (Link)

CoStar collects $48M, smooths path to a Va. headquarters move. (Link)

🏒Sports

Maryland resets in Kevin Willard’s third season with portal additions and Derik Queen. (Link)

Bob Costas retires from baseball play-by-play after 42 years. (Link)

🏦Finance

D.C.'s East End retail woes mount, while other parts of the city rebound. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports Events

🏊 George Washington Revolutionaries - Delaware (W) & Mercyhurst (M)
Charles E. Smith Center, Washington, DC
Monday, Nov. 4th | (More info)

🏒 Nashville Predators at Washington Capitals
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Wed Nov 6 | (More info)

Concerts

🎶 Machine Girl
The Howard, Washington, DC
Wednesday, Nov. 6th | (More info)

🎧 Sango
Howard Theatre, Washington, DC
Thursday, Nov. 7th | (More info)

Family

🎤 Kids Open-Mic Night!
3222 11th Street Northwest, Washington, DC
Monday, Nov. 4th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Washington DC with buildings that change shape and color” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Washington D.C. Historical Events

Titanic Sinks (1912) - News of the Titanic's sinking reaches D.C., leading to significant maritime legislation.

In the early hours of April 15, 1912, the RMS Titanic, a marvel of modern engineering and the largest passenger ship of its time, met a tragic end in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. Having collided with an iceberg during its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City, the ship sank, leading to the loss of more than 1,500 lives. This calamitous event shook the world, and news of the Titanic's sinking soon reached the shores of Washington D.C., capturing the immediate attention of the American public and lawmakers alike.

The tragedy of the Titanic had far-reaching effects on maritime policy and sparked a fervent push for significant reforms in Washington D.C. The enormity of the disaster, underscored by tales of heroism and human error, highlighted glaring deficiencies in maritime safety regulations then in place. Within days of the sinking, the United States Senate launched an inquiry into the disaster led by Senator William Alden Smith. This swift congressional action reflected the urgent demand for a thorough understanding of the circumstances leading to the ship's demise and the adoption of measures to prevent similar tragedies.

As a direct consequence of the Titanic's sinking and the subsequent investigation, several key pieces of maritime legislation were enacted. In December 1913, the United States passed the Radio Act of 1912, which required ships to maintain 24-hour radio watch and have sufficient lifeboats for everyone onboard, a glaring shortfall in the Titanic's case. Then, in 1914, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) was convened, leading to more comprehensive reforms, including ship design, the provision of life-saving equipment, and the establishment of patrolled ice routes. These legislative actions, sparked by the Titanic disaster and driven forward in Washington D.C., marked a pivotal moment in maritime safety, setting new standards that would greatly improve the security of sea travel for decades to come.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

John Philip Sousa (1854–1932) - Composer and conductor known for American military and patriotic marches, born in Washington, D.C.

John Philip Sousa was a pivotal American composer and conductor, whose martial and patriotic marches have become an intrinsic part of the United States' musical and cultural heritage. Born in Washington, D.C., Sousa's life spanned the tumult of the American Civil War, the gilded age, and the emergence of the United States as a world power in the early 20th century.

Early Years in Washington D.C. (1854-1868)

John Philip Sousa was born on November 6, 1854, in Washington, D.C., to John Antonio Sousa and Maria Elisabeth Trinkhaus. His father played trombone in the United States Marine Band, instilling in young Sousa a deep love for music. At just six years old, Sousa began studying voice, violin, piano, flute, cornet, baritone, trombone, and alto horn, marking the beginning of a lifetime dedicated to music.

Joining the Marine Band (1868-1875)

At the tender age of 13, Sousa attempted to run away to join a circus band. In response, his father enlisted him as an apprentice in the United States Marine Band. During this period, Sousa honed his skills as a musician and orchestrator, laying the groundwork for his future successes as a composer and conductor.

Broadening Horizons (1876-1880)

After his apprenticeship, Sousa left the Marine Band to pursue opportunities as a touring musician and conductor. This period exposed him to a wide variety of musical styles and traditions, enriching his compositional technique and broadening his horizons significantly. He also conducted theater orchestras and eventually settled in Philadelphia, where he focused on conducting and studying composition.

The March King (1880-1892)

Sousa returned to the Marine Band as its leader in 1880, a position he would hold for the next 12 years. It was during this time that Sousa composed many of his most famous marches, earning him the nickname The March King. His compositions, such as Semper Fidelis and The Washington Post March, captured the spirit of the American people, blending military precision with exuberant patriotism.

Sousa's Band (1892-1932)

In 1892, Sousa formed his own civilian concert band, which toured extensively in the United States and around the world. Sousa's Band was renowned for its virtuosity and the diversity of its repertoire, which included not just marches but also operatic excerpts and arrangements of classical works. Through these tours, Sousa became a global ambassador for American music, spreading its influence to Europe and beyond.

Innovation and Composition (1890s-1900s)

Throughout the 1890s and early 1900s, Sousa continued to innovate musically, experimenting with new sounds and pushing the boundaries of the wind band genre. He composed a number of operettas and introduced the world to the Sousaphone, a brass instrument designed to his specifications that offered a deeper, richer tone suitable for marching bands.

Patriotism and the World Wars (1910s-1932)

During World War I, Sousa returned to the military, leading the Navy Band at the Great Lakes Naval Station. His compositions from this period reflected America's growing sense of national identity and duty. Following the war, Sousa remained an active figure in American music, continuing to compose and conduct until his passing in 1932.

Legacy and Influence (1932 and Beyond)

John Philip Sousa's death on March 6, 1932, marked the end of an era, but his music lives on. His marches continue to be a staple in parades, military ceremonies, and patriotic events across the United States. His influence extended beyond his compositions, contributing to the development of band music as a serious and respected medium.

Key Achievements of John Philip Sousa:

• Composed over 130 marches, including The Stars and Stripes Forever, the National March of the United States.

• His formation and leadership of Sousa's Band, which toured internationally, spreading American music worldwide.

• Developed the Sousaphone, contributing an enduring innovation to brass band instrumentation.

• Served as the leader of the United States Marine Band, enhancing its reputation and setting high standards for military bands.

• His music played a critical role in shaping American patriotic and military musical traditions.

John Philip Sousa's life was a symphony of dedication, patriotism, and musical innovation. From his early days in Washington D.C. to his global tours with Sousa's Band, he left an indelible mark on American music and culture. Today, his marches continue to inspire a sense of pride and unity, embodying the spirit of a nation. Sousa's legacy as The March King endures, a testament to his genius and the enduring power of music to stir the human soul.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Yannick Lyons

Poll